The sci-fi genre is highly regarded within the gaming world, home to some of the most recognizable and emblematic games, like Fallout and Halo. Despite being a broad genre, it has kept a firm yet spread-out grasp on the industry, managing to stay among the best with top-tier installments.

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With such games ranging from shooters, RPG, open-world, to soft sci-fi fantasy, one aspect permeates the best of sci-fi: complex characters that accompany every beat of the story and gameplay. Even though the protagonists end up taking most of the credit, more often than not there are side characters that completely make or break a game, adding that extra layer of immersion, humor, lore, or flair that every great game needs.

10 Harold - Fallout

Humanoid Tree With Character Journey Pieced Together Across Games

The United States dressed in a retro-futuristic wasteland is only part of what makes the Fallout series so cherished. The humor and references within the games just make it an enjoyable end-of-the-world experience, having characters' stories flourish in the background of multiple installments.

Originally a human, Harold is first seen in the Fallout game as a traveling ghoul, and by Fallout 3 he is a rooted tree, wishing to be human again. This gradual yet emotional transformation makes Harold one of the franchise's best non-human characters, making the player actively piece his story together.

9 Claptrap - Borderlands

A Funny And Annoying Robot With A Side of Iconic and True Friend

Despite his potential to annoy, there is no denying Claptrap is an iconic part of Borderlands and one of the most notable robots in games. With an over-the-top personality, he enriches the chaotic gaming experience with funny comments and his relentless ability to look out for the player, solidifying this robot as a trustworthy companion.

The unique art style and Mad Max-esque world in Borderlands make it one of the most vivid sci-fi shooters out there. The games of the franchise have the perfect anarchic environment for Claptrap to shine and, ultimately, relate to the player.

8 Ahti - Control

Creepy Janitor Meets Wise Guru As A Bridge Between Inexplicable Worlds

Control is known for its puzzling subplots, including the enigmatic janitor, Ahti, who helps set the eerie tone and secretive environment. Although he only appears every once in a while with cryptic wisdom nuggets, he leaves the player with an unsettling taste in their mouths which he continues to do in his appearance in Alan Wake 2.

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The game is a sci-fi shooter that relies on its psychological and inexplicable facets. It does so with a unique breathtaking environment that includes horror elements and, of course, Ahti, who makes the player more dazed with every answer given and serves as a connection point between franchises.

7 Captain Qwark - Ratchet & Clank

Coward Superhero With An Unusual Backstory And Comical Character Development

​​​​​As one of the most recognizable soft sci-fi series, the Ratchet and Clank games have an abundance of characters bringing humor and depth to the plot. The game about a Lombax and his robot companion roaming through space, brings forth a simple narrative with distinct worlds, fun weapons, unique humor, and unforgettable characters.

However, the not-so-heroic superhero, Captain Qwark, stands out. Notwithstanding his frustrating traits and his not-so-bright remarks, Qwark is a point of humor. Starting as an antagonist, he is a constant throughout the series, taking credit for most of the player's accomplishments. Besides his character development from antagonist to almost hero, he has a noteworthy ironic backstory as the childhood bully of the main villain.

6 BD-1 - Star Wars Jedi

A Charming, Cute, Loyal, And Nifty Droid For Every Occasion

Even though R2D2 set a high standard for droids in the Star Wars universe, BD-1 has a charisma of his own. In the Star Wars Jedi games, BD-1 follows Cal, one of the last Jedis in the galaxy and a fugitive of the empire, together bringing a little bit of light to a dark galaxy.

Within that universe, BD-1 stands out as a cute and reliable droid, helping the player complete missions and analyze artifacts throughout the galaxy. Not only that, Cal's relationship with the droid develops, making BD-1 a loyal companion beyond comedic relief.

5 GLaDOS - Portal

AI With A Wicked Sense of Humor To Lead The Way

The Portal games have a unique, funny, and straightforward premise, so it is no surprise that its best characters follow that same pattern. In the game, the player uses a portal gun to solve simple and complex puzzles alike. It is not long in their journey until the player meets their guide, GLaDOS, an AI to love and hate but mostly to adore and appreciate.

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Her unforgettable voice carries the protagonist in both games, always saying something sarcastic, slowly taking control of where the story goes, one snarky comment at a time.

4 Atlas - BioShock

Mastermind Guide That Makes Players Assemble The Morally Gray Narrative

The connection between the player and their guide is one to be cherished, so it is no surprise that Atlas is a standout. In a failed retro utopia, the player has Atlas as his guide against the villain, slowly getting to know more about Atlas and his motivations.

The game is still regarded as a revolutionary sci-fi, set in a futuristic utopia gone wrong. BioShock is full of moral life-or-death decisions that make it such a groundbreaking sci-fi, with Atlas as the key to the game's moral complexity.

3 Zo - Horizon: Forbidden West

A Kind Character That Brings Compassion To Revenge And Real Emotions To Sci-Fi

With one of the coolest protagonists in sci-fi, the Horizon games have so many emotional and astonishing moments. However, Aloy cannot take all the credit; Zo not only has a unique role as a gravesinger, she cares deeply about her people.

Compassionate and skilled, Zo keeps her people's well-being in mind as she ventures for her own justice and sense of self. Her storyline reason that Horizon: Forbidden West connects to players, despite being a far-fetched tribal sci-fi with robotic animals.

2 Liara T'Soni - Mass Effect

Compelling Character That Opens A Plethora of Possibilities

As an epic sci-fi RPG, the Mass Effect collection does not have a shortage of amazing characters. As a groundbreaking collection, Mass Effect has players exploring a mesmerizing universe with immersive lore, interacting with alluring characters, and fighting in an epic war.

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Liara is one of the many characters that bring depth to the game. As a fan-favorite, she is a well-rounded character filled with her share of fascinating features and some intense moments to follow. Besides being one of the best romanceable characters, Liara is a rebel researcher who adds flair to the narrative through player interactions.

1 Avery Johnson - Halo

Relatable Sergeant That Brings Humanity To An Alien Shooter Game

The Halo games are definitely a staple for shooter sci-fi and, despite being known for its brilliant world-building and shooter-style gameplay, the installments set forward unforgettable characters that add to how players interact with the game.

Within such characters, Avery Johnson is a fan favorite. He is the epitome of how supporting characters bring humanity and relatability into a game that is set in a far-fetched futuristic setting. The character first appeared in Halo: Combat Evolved and has since been fleshed out to provide a grounded perspective with his memorable speeches and funny moments.

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